News & Pubs Archive

In a matter of first impression, a unanimous Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled that a defendant’s ineffective assistance of counsel claim was properly filed with the state court of appeals and can proceed in that forum.

Wisconsin couples will be in legal limbo while the higher courts decide whether same-sex marriage bans are unconstitutional, and whether the Wisconsin marriages that did take place from June 6 to June 13 are valid.

A Wisconsin Supreme Court majority recently ruled that a defendant’s constitutional protection against double jeopardy was not violated when the circuit court extended her sentence the day following her sentencing hearing.

Although police may have “broken the threshold” of a Racine apartment while following leads without a warrant, Cordarol Kirby is still on the hook for the sawed-off shotgun police found in a backpack inside the apartment.

A homeowner who hired an independent contractor to spray potent herbicides that kill unwanted trees and plants may be liable for the tree damage caused to neighboring properties, under a recent decision by the Wisconsin Supreme Court.

The Wisconsin Supreme Court has drawn a line on what constitutes “use” of a vehicle for purposes of determining whether an underinsured motorist policy covers injuries sustained by a sheriff’s deputy who was on foot when injured.

Valentine Garrido-Crisanto’s foot was crushed while riding in a freight elevator that had no safety gate. However, a state appeals court recently ruled that his safe place and negligence claims were properly dismissed on summary judgment.

A federal judge in Madison has ruled that Wisconsin’s constitutional marriage amendment, which doesn’t allow same-sex marriages to be recognized in Wisconsin, is unconstitutional despite an argument that federalism should prevail.

June 5, 2014 – Wisconsin’s new trust code takes effect on July 1, 2014. Thus, if you are an estate planner or your practice touches the trust code, it’s high time to learn about it. The June Wisconsin Lawyer, available online and in mailboxes soon, has you covered.

Nicholas Waranka lost his life in a snowmobile accident that occurred in Michigan. His wife filed a wrongful death action in Wisconsin but argued that Wisconsin’s $350,000 non-economic damages cap did not apply.

The Milwaukee City Housing Authority evicted Felton Cobb from his leased residence, claiming the 62-year old breached the lease by smoking marijuana inside the premises. Recently, a state appeals court said the eviction must be vacated.

State court judges and court commissioners are authorized to use techniques to help level the playing field for self-represented and other litigants under the judicial code, under a petition tentatively approved by the state supreme court.

Circuit courts have discretion to order or deny the expunction of a young defendant’s criminal record upon successful completion of the sentence, but that decision must be made at the sentencing stage, not after successful completion.